Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM

[ddt0725]

Currently, I own and am very pleased with the Canon Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM but as many others do, I lust for the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens. With that in mind I am wondering if the new Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM would be a happy medium that would not cost me an arm, a leg and a mortgage payment!


Does anyone here own this lens yet? Even if you don't, I am still interested in hearing feedback on what your opinion is of what you've seen and read about it so far. I have never owned anything but Canon lenses, so Sigma owners I'd really like to hear what your opinion is.


This review I read (link below) makes it sound like it would be a really good purchase. Of course, I am sure it doesn't come close to the beauty the 85mm f/1.2 L II can produce but it sounds like it's one heck of a sharp lens!


Opinions please ...very much appreciated!!!


Denise

A review ...


http://www.alanabramsphotography.com/ ("http://www.alanabramsphotography.com/)

[Daniel Browning]

I

[ddt0725]

Within the last 5 minutes, someone just bought the last one that was available on Amazon! Was it you, Daniel?

[Daniel Browning]

Not this time, but when they go out of stock at B&H, you

[Steve U]

I am just a newbie to this forum Denise and a newbie in experience level. I have the Canon 24L 1.4 which is my favourite lens, but I have had the Sigma 85mm for a week now and I love it.


I rented the Canon 85 1.2 and the Canon 50 1.2 the week before I bought the Sigma and while I would love to have the 85 1.2, by buying the Sigma 85 1.4, it has literally left an extra $1400 in the bank account and I will be ready to buy either the new 70-300 or the 8-15 as soon as they are released for "about" a combined cost similar to the 85 1.2 expenditure. If wedding photography or portraiture was my main source of income I would not have settled for less than the 85 1.2, but because it is my hobby, I know I will be happy with the Sigma 85 and the new Canon 8-15 as a pairing.


I love Canon L glass and have five of them but the Sigma 85 is very sweet. The focus is faster than the Canon 85 1.2, but slower than the Canon 50 1.2. The bokeh is as good as the 85 1.2, build very similar and the Sigma takes a 77mm filter and looks very impressive on the 7D.


I have posted a series of photos already on the forum after I had it only a couple of hours and they showed more my short comings than the lenses.


This weekend I will use the tripod and take some more shots. Here in Australia they are selling very well, a lot of people waited a long time to get this lens and so far it is delivering the goods. I suppose in the long run, it is a portrait lens and people will either pay $1000 for the Sigma and get a very good lens or $2200 for the 85 1.2 and also get a very very good portrait lens.


Cheers,


Steve

[ddt0725]

Hi Steve -


Thanks for you response! I think I may be selling one of my favorite lenses (the 85 f/1.8) to get this one. Were your zombie walk photos taken with this lens?


Denise

[greggf]

Hi Denise. LensRentals.com has them in stock for. Rent the Sigma for a time, and make an informed decision. I, too, want one(Sigma 85), and will eventually add an 85 to my lineup. I have rented several lenses from LensRentals.com, and it really is the only way to check out a lens!! I have used the 85 1.2Lll( a buddy has one, and lets me use it regularly), and I can say that there really isn

[Steve U]

Hi Denise, I will post two from this morning, one hastily done self portrait. Inside my home too early for a drink. The wine bottle isn't in focus but my shirt and weirdly pursed lips are. Very thin dof and the blurry bottles behind me are only about a foot behind my noggin.


Sigma 85mm 1.4@ 1.4 1/30


/resized-image.ashx/__size/550x0/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/24/5707.IMG_5F00_3788t.jpg


I just took this at 45 degrees probably at abot 70cm which is just inside the supposed miniml focus distance of 88cm.


/resized-image.ashx/__size/550x0/__key/CommunityServer-Discussions-Components-Files/24/1263.IMG_5F00_3833t.jpg





1.4 1/30sec.


I probably should stick with flower shots. Ohh and the zombie shots were with the 70-200 2.8.


Steve

[ddt0725]

Nice self portrait, Steve!


I

[Sean Setters]

I just bought the next thing on my wishlist...a Paul C. Buff HOBD (beauty dish) for my White Lightnings. It arrives tomorrow. :-)

[Steve U]

You are talking funny talk.


I have a little soft box for my speedlight and some under used reflectors that I

[ddt0725]

Looking forward to the photos, Sean & Steve!

[Cozen]

I

[ddt0725]

Just thought I'd add this ....

http://www.digitalrev.com/en/sigma-85mm-f1-dot-4-ex-dg-hsm-hands-on-review-6992-article ("http://www.digitalrev.com/en/sigma-85mm-f1-dot-4-ex-dg-hsm-hands-on-review-6992-article)

Ok, he's no Bryan Carnathan but it's still interesting to see. The purple fringing has me concerned no more than before.

Denise

[greggf]

Hi Denise. I have a family photo shoot this upcoming weekend, and although I will probably use a combination of my 24-70, and 70-200ll for most of the portraits, I found this a great time to RENT the Sigma 85 1.4. So, it will be arriving this coming Friday, along with the Zeiss(for comparison). I will also borrow my buddies 1.2L and time allowing, will try to get some comparison shots in between the 3 in the 10 days I have them. I checked out the above link you posted, and I am also not concerned about Ca or fringing, too much. I am very interested in trying them on both the 5Dll and 1D4, although I have to admit, I do almost everything on the Mark4 now....ever since getting the 1 series, the 5Dll just doesn

[ddt0725]

Hi Greg -


I am very much looking forward to your review of what you think of the Sigma and to the comparision shots!! I am really torn between getting new glass or saving for the 5DII. Maybe after I see your post it will help with the decision process!


Thanks,


Denise

[greggf]

Thanks Denise. It won

[Sheiky]

Opinions please ...very much appreciated!!!



If the Sigma 50mm is somewhat of an example of what they can do.... It's very promising, at least concerning image quality... We'll see what the AF motor will do for this one. Anyways, it seems like a very interesting lens, very interesting!